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2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • July 29, 2015 Polk County News Lawsuit filed against MINET Former employee claims hostile work environment, harassment By Emily Mentzer The Itemizer-Observer SERA ARCHITECTS/for the Itemizer-Observer Development of the 2-1/2 miles along the Willamette River was the biggest topic of interest to residents. Trails big focus of Indy parks plan Residents want more connecting paths for bicycling, walking, running By Emily Mentzer The Itemizer-Observer INDEPENDENCE — The city of Independence wrapped up a new parks mas- ter plan, which was presented to the city council on July 14. “The big shiny piece is the riverfront,” said Shawn Irvine, economic develop- ment director. “Part of the reason we (the city) pur- chased the Valley Concrete site was to maintain control of the riverfront.” The city owns 2-1/2 miles of land along the Willamette River, and whoever buys the Valley Concrete site will have to allow public access, Irvine said. “The key thing is, we’ve got the trail that runs north that is being well used, we want to extend that to the south, ideally out to the is- land,” he said. A new trail along the wa- terfront would likely be a soft-surface path, Irvine said, and would be just one part of a trail system. “Trials were a big compo- nent,” Irvine added. “That’s what we heard from the public: more trails, better connected trails, more trails to different places in town.” About 500 people re- sponded to surveys as part of the public outreach in building the new master plan, Irvine said. Open houses were well- attended. “That’s a much more in- depth level of engagement,” he said. Neighborhood parks were not neglected in the new plan, Irvine said. “We don’t want to lose focus on the neighborhood parks, that park next door, that’s what folks use,” Irvine noted. “We don’t want to lose focus on keeping those well maintained.” In addition to the strong desire for more trails for bi- cycle and pedestrian traffic, people wanted places to hold large gatherings, Irvine said. “People wanted a place Music in the Park Matinees are all shows before 6pm. New pricing for matinees are: Adult $7.25 Children $6.75 • Senior $7.00 Pricing does not reflect 3D showings. Main St. Park • Monmouth Every Wednesday through August 26 ~ 6:30pm MUSIC, FOOD, BEER & WINE GARDEN Look for Music in the Park Series on Face- book for more in- formation about this year’s artists. Performing Tonight July 29 World’s Finest (Reggae & Bluegrass) FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC where they could get the whole extended family to- gether,” he said. “A place to go and hang out the entire after- noon with picnic shelters, barbecues, a playground, soccer field, walking trails.” While some of those amenities are already found at Riverview Park, Henry Hill seems like a potential place for more, Irvine said. “They have the fields, bas- ketball courts, tennis,” he said. The area around Henry Hill belongs to Central School District. With the district office at Henry Hill, they would be a key partner in creating a larger recreation area for the community, Irvine said. MONMOUTH — A lawsuit was filed on June 25 against the cities of Independence and Monmouth and against Monmouth Independence Networks (MINET) claiming discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Laura Rodriguez, of Marion County, was an employee of MINET in July 2011, according to court documents. She was hired again by MINET in December 2013. According to court documents, Rodriguez is a member of several protected classes, including her gender (fe- male), her race (Hispanic) and her sexual orientation (ho- mosexual). The documents claim that MINET general manager Don Patten, manager of customer service relations Jason Saunders and administrator Marilyn Morton made Ro- driguez feel uncomfortable with sexual comments. Ro- driguez also claims her supervisors passed her over for promotion based on her race and because she had asked about MINET’s maternity leave policy. The accusations were investigated by Citycounty Insur- ance Services (CIS), the insurance company for all three entities named in the lawsuit — MINET, Monmouth and Independence — and found no evidence supporting Ro- driguez’s claims. “CIS, our insurance company, interviewed myself and virtually everyone on staff,” Patten said. “CIS informed us that there is zero credibility to it.” Neither the cities nor MINET have been served with pa- perwork regarding the lawsuit, said Larry Linder, attorney for Rodriguez. Because of that, there isn’t much to do at this point, said Independence City Manager and the chair of the MINET board of directors David Clyne. “Not much of anything is being done,” Clyne said. “We’re aware of the complaint, but it was never actually served on any of us. That’s how you have to start a lawsuit, by serving the other party.” No disciplinary action is planned for anyone named in the lawsuit, Clyne said. Linder did not get back to the Itemizer-Observer with comment from Rodriguez by press time. Court documents say Rodriguez is asking for at least $30,000 including back pay, benefits and front pay, in ad- dition to $150,000 compensatory damages plus attorney’s fees. She also is requesting a trial by jury. Friday - Wednesday July 31 - August 5 SOUTHPAW (Digital) (R) ANT MAN (Digital 2D) (PG13) PIXELS (Digital 2D) (PG13) PIXELS (NEC DOLBY 3D) (PG13) VACATION (Digital) (R) MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION (Digital) (PG13) MINIONS (Digital 2D) (PG) PAPER TOWNS (Digital) (PG13) TRAINWRECK (Digital) (R) (1:45 4:30) (11:35 2:10 4:45) (11:50 4:55) (2:25) (12:25 2:50 5:15) 7:20 9:55 7:25 10:05 7:30 9:55 7:40 10:00 (1:20 4:10) (12:15 2:35 4:50) (11:45 2:20 5:05) (1:15 4:05) 7:00 7:10 7:35 6:50 9:50 9:25 10:05 9:35 Thursday August 6 For More Information Contact: Mark Fancey 503-751-0147 Bring your chairs and blankets and we’ll see you in the park! SOUTHPAW (Digital) (R) THE GIFT (Digital) (R) ANT MAN (Digital 2D) (PG13) PIXELS (Digital 2D) (PG13) PIXELS (NEC DOLBY 3D) (PG13) PAPER TOWNS (Digital) (PG13) FANTASTIC FOUR (Digital) (PG13) MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION (Digital) (PG13) MINIONS (Digital 2D) (PG) VACATION (Digital) (R) TRAINWRECK (Digital) (R) (1:45 4:30) 9:55 7:05 (11:35 2:10 4:45) 7:25 10:05 (11:50 4:55) 7:30 (2:25) 9:55 (11:45 2:20 5:05) 8:00 10:30 (1:20 4:10) (12:15 2:35 4:50) (12:25 2:50 5:15) (1:15 4:05) 7:00 7:10 7:40 6:50 9:50 9:25 10:00 9:35 10 Year Anniversary! presented by Performing July 31st JUKE BOX HEROES Foreigner Tribute Band Lawn Seating — Bring blankets & chairs www.polkio.com Show begins at 7:30 This Week’s FREE MOVIE: Showing July 30 • 9:30 UP! (Animation, Adventure, Comedy) NEXT WEEK Concert: DANCEHALL DAYS - 7:30 PM Movie: THE HUNGER GAMES Mockingjay Part 1 - 9:30 PM Pencil us in! • VENDORS • BEER & WINE GARDEN Riverview Amphitheater, Independence, OR Visit our website: independenceamphitheater.com www.polkio.com